Almost-Famous Breadsticks (Olive Garden Copycat)

Ingredients

DOUGH

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast

• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon fine salt

TOPPING

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pinch dried oregano

Directions

1. 1

   Make the dough: Place 1/4 cup warm water in the bowl of a mixer; sprinkle in the yeast and set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, butter, sugar, fine salt and 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons warm water; mix with the paddle attachment until a slightly sticky dough forms, 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until very smooth and soft, 3 minutes. Roll into a 2-foot-long log; cut into 16 1 1/2-inch pieces. Knead each piece slightly and shape into a 7-inch long breadstick; arrange 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a cloth; let rise in a warm spot until almost doubled, about 45 minutes.

3. 3

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

4. 4

   Make the topping: Brush the breadsticks with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.

5. 5

   Bake until slightly golden, about 15 minutes.

6. 6

   Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt with the garlic powder and oregano.

7. 7

   Brush the warm breadsticks with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with the flavored salt.

8. 8

   Serve warm with salad.